Russia tightens airport medical rules to speed up emergency care by 2026

Russia’s Ministry of Health has introduced new rules for medical services at busy airports. The changes will apply to facilities handling over 39,000 passengers a month. The updated regulations aim to ensure faster and more reliable emergency care for travellers and staff alike. Starting September 1, 2026, airport operators must set up paramedic first-aid stations across their premises. These stations will offer round-the-clock emergency and primary medical care. They must also include a waiting area, a procedure room, and an office for the station supervisor.

The stations will feature dedicated workstations for medical staff, along with a rest area, dining space, and separate restrooms for personnel and patients. Airports will decide how many first-aid points are needed, depending on their size and passenger flow. If an airport cannot guarantee an emergency team’s arrival within 20 minutes, it must keep a rapid-response unit on-site. Paramedic stations will also be required to provide urgent primary care within 30 minutes of a patient’s arrival. However, airports with existing medical units may be exempt from establishing new stations. The rules further demand that specialized emergency teams must reach the airport within 20 minutes of a call. This ensures quick assistance in critical situations, whether for passengers or airport employees.

The new regulations will standardise medical support at Russia’s busiest airports. Operators must now prepare for the changes before the 2026 deadline. The goal is to improve response times and ensure all travellers have access to timely emergency care.